plate no. 6852
In the Rain
Franz Marc, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color relationships and how to use expressive brushstrokes to create a dynamic composition. It also encourages experimentation with abstracting forms from nature.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the major elements like the trees and animals.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, using simplified shapes and focusing on the overall color scheme.
- step 03
Begin to define the forms with darker and lighter values, paying attention to the direction of the light and shadow.
- step 04
Add details to the trees and animals, using short, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 05
Introduce the 'rain' effect with diagonal strokes of blues and whites.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, adjusting the overall balance of the painting.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · red · green · blue · white
secondary · yellow · orange · brown
Achieve the various greens by mixing blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix browns from reds, yellows, and blues.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·color layering
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·diagonal strokes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use good quality paints for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes and types to achieve different effects.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
